NO ALCOHOL ON THE FIELDS OR IN THE DUGOUT. PLEASE BE AWARE OF THE CITY RULES REGARDING THE SPECIFIC FIELD YOU ARE PLAYING ON!!

REMEMBER 2 THINGS:

1)     ENJOY YOURSELF

2)     NO ARGUING  

It is important that every player understands that this league is for fun.  The mission of South Florida Club Sport is to promote competition and athleticism through sportsmanship and fair play. Our leagues/events should be played with good sportsmanship. Although competition may become intense, we expect our participants to maintain good sportsmanship up to and after the final whistle.  No arguing will be tolerated. Whether it be with the umpire, the opposing team, or your own teammates, it’s unacceptable. We realize our umpires/referees/officials will make a bad call from time-to-time (bad calls happen at the highest levels, they are certainly going to happen in an adult social league).  Rest assured they are trying their absolute best to make the correct calls.   If you can’t win or lose with grace, keep it to yourself.

SOCCER RULES

1. ELIGIBILITY/ROSTERS

1. All participants must be in good health to participate.  SFCS reserves the right to deny participation to any individual or team without explanation. Every participant must follow  SFCS rules and regulations. All participants of each league/tournament/event/season must accept an online waiver of liability to participate. Failure or refusal to waive liability will result in the denial of participation for that individual and will void any refund. All SFCS leagues and social events have a minimum age requirement of 18 years old.
2. Every player must preregister online, accept the league waiver, prepay in full (if applicable), wear a SFCS uniform, and provide a photo ID before playoff games. Registration will be open up to the last day of the regular season. Players will not be accepted after registration has closed. Every player is limited to one roster per league per season.
3. MINIMUM PLAYERS: A minimum of 8 players from the team's roster must be present at game time or the team will forfeit the game. For a game to be legal in a Co-Ed league, every team must have at least 1 female teammate on the field. On a full strength team, a maximum of 8 men are allowed on the field at one time.
4. INJURED PLAYERS: If a player is injured during a game, captain must notify umpire to remove injured player from line-up card with no additional penalty (unless the injured player is a female and her removal falls behind the required ratio -- then becomes an automatic out). An injured player that has been removed from line-up cannot return to the game.
5. PICKUP PLAYERS: Pickup players are NOT allowed during the playoffs. Any pickup players during the regular season must be signed on a SFCS roster for another team for that particular night/location. Failure to do so, even if discovered after the fact, may result in a forfeit. Shorthanded teams may pick up other league members up to 11 players on the field, with a maximum of 8 men of the field. Picking up additional league members once a team is at full strength is prohibited.  Late arrivals must replace fill-ins from other teams, not teammates. Fill-ins must wear their own team uniform, which will allow the opposing team and  SFCS staff to determine player eligibility.  Opposing captains may waive any and all of these restrictions.  ANYONE CAUGHT USING ILLEGAL PLAYERS DURING PLAYOFFS WILL FORFEIT THEIR GAME AUTOMATICALLY.
6. FORFEITS: A forfeit will not be declared until 10 minutes after the scheduled starting time. Referee calls game time. A forfeit will be counted as a 7-0 win.Team captains must contact/notify a SFCS Director when his/her team is going to forfeit.  Failure to contact/notify a  SFCS director regarding a team forfeit could result in a $25-$50 fine and possible expulsion from the league with no refunds.  Two forfeits by any team during a single season will result in expulsion from the league with no refunds.  A team using a suspended or ineligible player forfeits all games that the suspended/ineligible player participates in. Teams knowingly using such a player may face additional sanctions.

2. GAME PLAY

• REGULATION GAME

• GAME TIMES: A game will be divided into two (2) periods of twenty-five (25) minutes each.  At eleven (11) minutes into each period, the referees may grant a water break.

• Central Broward Regional Park: two (2) periods of thirty-five (35) minutes each.

• A two-referee system will be utilized, with equal responsibility in rule enforcement.
• Game time will be kept on the field by a referee. Stoppage time will be added at the referee’s discretion.
• Time runs continuously unless there is an injury or unexpected interruptions. There are no time outs.
• There will be 2-5 minutes between halves.
• There is no overtime/shootout for regular season games.

• Game Stoppage (Rainline & Mercy Rule)

• Call the Rainline (800.497.1852 ext. 4) for weather updates and cancellation information before every game. In the event of dangerous/harmful conditions, darkness, serious injuries, or any circumstances out of SFCS control, the following will constitute a legal game (includes playoffs): 15 minutes into 2nd half.
• If one team leads by the following margin, and one or both team captains elect to end the game, the game will end as a result of a mercy rule: 8 goal difference at 45 minutes

• OVERTIME/SHOOTOUT

• Playoff games that are tied at the end of regulation time will proceed into overtime and, if needed, a shootout to determine a winner. SFCS reserves the right to shorten games in order preserve the best possible outcome for a game (such as skipping overtime period and proceeding directly to a shootout).  
• Overtime will consist of one 5-minute “golden goal” period. The first team to score a goal will win the game. The choice of ends and the kickoff will be decided by a coin toss.
• If the game remains tied at the end of the overtime period, the game will proceed into a 5-person shootout. The winner of a coin toss will choose which team shall kick first in the shootout. Each team captain shall designate five (5) players to shoot for his/her team. The goalkeeper may be one of the shooters. Goalkeeper changes may occur only at the beginning of the shootout.
• The designated players must have been on the field of play (in the game) at the end of the overtime period.
• Each team has a total of five (5) shots. Teams will alternate after each shot. Each shot shall follow the procedure for a penalty kick. A minimum of 2 women must participate in the shootout.
• If the score remains tied following the first shootout, a sudden victory shootout will occur in which the game is won if, after ANY equal number of shots, the tie is broken.
• During the sudden victory shootout, a woman must kick every shot or every other shot..

• SUBSTITUTIONS

• Substitutions must be announced to the referee.  The referee will determine when it is appropriate to grant entry.Teams may request a substitution on a goal kick, corner kick, kick-in/throw-in, after a goal, after an injury, after a caution, or at half-time.
• Players entering and leaving the field must do so at the halfway line.
• There are no substitutions for an ejected player.

• KICKOFF

• A coin toss will determine possession and choice of ends. Possession and ends will change in the 2nd half. All players shall be within his/her half of the field. Opponents of the kicking team must be outside of the 8-yard center circle until the ball is kicked.
• The ball must be kicked forward, one revolution, for the ball to be in play (penalty- rekick).The kicker shall not play the ball a second time until a teammate or opponent has touched the ball (penalty- indirect free kick)

• GOAL

• A goal is scored when the entire ball crosses the goal line (within the posts and cross bar).

• A male goal is worth one (1) point. A female goal is worth two (2) points. A female goal is scored as a direct result of a female kick or header. Deflections off of a female are worth one (1) point

• An “own goal” by a female is worth one point.
• After a goal, the opposing team will have possession from the halfway line.

• PENALTY KICK

• A penalty kick is awarded after a serious or intentional rule infraction takes place in the penalty area by the defensive team. A penalty kick can be awarded regardless of the position of the ball, if the infraction by the defending team is committed in the penalty area. It is not awarded for infractions that call for an indirect free kick. The penalty kick shall be taken from anywhere on the penalty mark, twelve yards from the goal line.
• The penalty kick may be taken by any player of the offended team on the field of play at the time of the offense.
• If a female is awarded a penalty kick, and she takes the penalty kick and scores, the penalty kick is worth two (2) points.
• All players except the goalie must stay outside the penalty area.
• The goalkeeper must stand on the goal line and may not move forward until the ball is kicked. The goalkeeper may move laterally.
• The kicker must wait for the referee’s whistle. The kicker must kick the ball forward. Any action to deceive the goalkeeper by the kicker is illegal.
• Following the kick, the ball shall be deemed in play if it remains on the field of play. The kicker shall not play the ball a second time until it has touched another player (either team).
• For any infringement by the defending team, the kick shall be retaken if a goal has not resulted. For any infringement by the attacking team other than by the kicker, the kick shall be retaken if a goal has resulted.

• FREE KICK

• An indirect free kick is a free kick from which a goal may not be scored unless the ball is touched by another player from either team.
• A direct free kick is a free kick from which a goal may be scored against the offending team.
• A free kick may be taken by any offensive player.
• When a player is taking a free kick from within his defensive penalty area, the ball must be kicked beyond the penalty area and all opponents must be outside the penalty area.
• The ball must be stationary when a free kick is taken. The kicker shall not play the ball again until it has been touched by another player (either team). The ball may be kicked in any direction.

• GOAL KICK

• A goal kick is awarded when the ball crosses the goal line, either on the ground or in the air, and was last touched by an offensive player.The ball is then placed anywhere within the goal area (box).
• The ball is not in play until it has gone outside the penalty area (penalty- rekick).
• The player taking the goal kick cannot retouch the ball until another player has touched it.

• CORNER KICK

• A corner kick is awarded when the ball crosses the goal line, either on the ground or in the air, and was last touched by a defensive player. The ball must be placed on the ground on the quarter circle near the corner post.
• The kicker cannot retouch the ball until it is touched by another player (either team). Corner posts (flags or cones) cannot be removed to take a corner kick.

• FREE KICK (DEFENDERS)

• On all free kicks and corner kicks, every defender must be at least 10 yards away from the ball until it is kicked, unless the defender is standing on their goal line between the goal posts.

• THROW-IN

• After the ball has wholly crossed the sidelines, on the ground or in the air, the team that did not touch the ball last shall be awarded the throw-in.The thrower must face the field of play and have both feet touching the ground out of bounds or on the sideline when the throw is made.
• The thrower must use both hands equally and shall deliver the ball from behind and over the head.
• A goal cannot be scored directly from a throw-in.
• An improper throw-in will result in the award of the throw to the other team.

• OFFSIDES

• Offsides is determined by the referees according to current FIFA definitions and guidelines.

• SUSPENSION OF PLAY

• Except on a free kick or throw-in, the team that was clearly in possession of the ball at the time of the suspension shall be awarded an indirect free kick from the spot the ball was at the time of the suspension.
• If neither team was in clear possession of the ball, the referee shall drop the ball at the place where it was when play was suspended, and the ball is in play when it touches the ground.
• If play was stopped with the ball in the goal area, the ball is dropped at the nearest point outside the goal area.

• GOALKEEPING

• The goalkeeper has possession (control) of the ball when he or she is touching the ball.
• From the moment the keeper takes control of the ball with his/her hands within his own penalty area, he/she must release the ball into play within 6 seconds (penalty- indirect free kick).
• A keeper may not, after releasing the ball into play, touch the ball again with his hands before it has been touched by another player of the same team outside the penalty area or by an opposing player either inside or outside the penalty area.
• If the goalkeeper plays the ball to a teammate and the teammate passes the ball back to the goalkeeper, he/she may not use their hands to play the pass (penalty- indirect free kick).
• The goalkeeper shall not touch the ball with his/her hands via a throw-in/kick-in from his/her own team or a deliberate kick by a teammate (penalty- indirect free kick).

• SLIDE TACKLING

• Slide tackling is prohibited in all soccer leagues and tournaments. A slide tackle occurs when a player (including a goalie outside the penalty area) leaves his/her feet and leads with his/her feet to play the ball while the ball is in the proximity of another player (contact is not required).
• If a slide tackle is deemed malicious (playing the player and/or playing the ball from behind an opponent), a red card will be issued to the offending player.

• FOULS AND MISCONDUCT

• Dangerous Play - all high kicks above the waist in a dangerous manner (penalty- indirect free kick).
• Charging (No Possession)- No player may charge an opponent not in possession of the ball, including the goalkeeper (penalty- indirect free kick).
• Obstruction - the intentional act by a player, not in possession of the ball or not attempting to play the ball, running between an opponent and the ball or using the body as an obstacle (penalty- indirect free kick).
• Goalkeeper holding the ball longer than six (6) seconds after he/she receives it (penalty- indirect free kick).
• Goalkeeper touching the ball with his/her hand when received by throw-in or deliberate kick from a teammate (penalty- indirect free kick).
• Interference (goalkeeper) - No player of the opposing team shall interfere with a goalkeeper in possession of the ball (penalty- indirect free kick).
• Delay of Game - No player or team shall unnecessarily delay the playing of the game (penalty- indirect free kick).
• Kicking/Striking an Opponent – No player may intentionally attempt to kick or strike an opponent. The goalkeeper may not intentionally strike or attempt to strike an opponent by throwing the ball at the opponent (penalty- direct free kick).
• Tripping/Jumping- No player may intentionally jump at nor trip an opponent (penalty- direct free kick).
• Charging (Possession) – No player may charge an opponent. Offenses include violently and/or dangerously charging a player or charging from behind (penalty- direct free kick).
• Holding/Pushing/Impeding – No player may use his/her hands or arms to hold, push, or impede an opponent (penalty- direct free kick).
• Intentional Hand Ball – No player may handle, carry, strike, or propel the ball with a hand or arm (penalty- direct free kick).

• YELLOW AND RED CARDS

• A player who receives a yellow (caution) card must exit the game without a substitution for five (5) minutes.
• Two (2) yellow cards in the same game or one (1) red card will result in an ejection and/or a suspension. An ejected player may not be replaced by a substitute. Teams will play (finish the match) a player down for each ejection.  An ejected player but must abide by all spectator rules. If an ejected player, while on the sideline or in the stands, uses vulgar/abusive language toward a referee, spectator, or opponent, then that player will be ejected from the park/facility. That player must vacate the premises of the park/facility within one (1) minute, or his/her team shall forfeit the game.

3. PLAYER CONDUCT 

1. EJECTIONS:  Players ejected from any league may be required to serve a one game suspension pending league review (this may included a 2nd game of a night if a team has a doubleheader and is the call of SFCS field staff). Fighting, wrestling, or pushing will not be tolerated and may result in multi-game suspensions or ejection from the league altogether. Verbal abuse of officials or players, fighting, foul language, and continued rough play could result in player ejections.
2. PHYSICAL DISTRACTIONS: No yelling at a defensive player as they are making a play will be allowed. Doing so MAY result in a foul being assessed and possible ejection of the offending player.
3. PROFANITY: Profanity will not be tolerated and may be grounds for players being called out or ejected on the discretion of the referee.
4. ALCOHOL is prohibited from all City & County parks unless others noted.  Teams caught drinking are risking the permit for everyone in the league.  Head to the bar after the game and don’t be “THAT GUY” that screws everyone else out of being able to play.  This could lead to a warning or forfeiting of games and possible team removal.

4. PLAYOFFS

1. FORMAT: Tournament is single elimination with seeding based on regular season standings. All teams make the tournament.
2. SEEDING: Standings/Rankings are based on 3 points for a win, 1 point for a tie, 0 points for a loss, and -1 point for a forfeit. There is no overtime or extra period for regular season games that end in a tie.  In the event that two or more teams have equal points at the end of the regular season, the first tiebreaker will be head-to-head competition.  The second tiebreaker will be season goal differential (difference of goals scored and goals allowed).
3. MERCY RULE: There is a 8 goal mercy rule after 45 minutes.
4. ELIGIBLE PLAYERS: All players, including added players, must sign their team's roster/waiver BEFORE the end of their team's final regular season game in order to be eligible to play in the tournament. If a player is not signed in on the roster by then, they are not eligible for the tournament. Playing with ineligible players may result in a forfeit. This call will be made by TBCS staff.  It is the responsibility of the team captains to make sure all players entering the field are eligible players for all games.
5. REGULAR SEASON 8th GAME: sometimes a team may play more then the 7 regular season games due to an odd number of teams.  If the team plays an 8th game the score stats and win/loss for the 8th game will not count toward standings for that team (just the team with 7 games) but will be counted if as a head-to-head tiebreaker.
6. 11/4/13 NEW RULE--Benches are reserved for players only.  Spectators will be removed at referees discretion.

5. EQUIPMENT

1. Every player must wear a South Florida Club Sport uniform on the field (goalies will wear an appropriate goalie uniform).  Team captains can submit color preferences in writing.  If one or more players do not bring their uniform on a given week, they may exchange shirts on the sideline in order to participate.  Players cannot wear uniforms inside-out.  Additional uniforms may be purchased for $10 each. Teams must give SFCS staff advance notice if they wish to purchase/acquire additional uniforms.  If a team is shorthanded and picks up other league members, those other league members must wear their own team uniform.
2. Shinguards are required for all leagues and tournaments.  SFCS does not supply/sell shinguards. It is the responsibility of each player to provide his/her own shinguards.  Shinguards must be made of a durable plastic material and must not pose a danger to anyone on the field.  
3. CLEATS: No metal spikes are allowed. Wearing metal cleats is an ejectable offense.
4. JEWELRY: No jewelry can be worn during the games, for the safety of all players.

If you are having difficulty interpreting the rules, please ASK!

If a rule is not stated above, please refer to FIFA Soccer Rules.